Your fundraising toolkit

The information you see on this website, in our publications, the training we provide to medical staff and the campaigning we do through the media and parliament is all made possible with the support of people like you. People with M.E. need real and transformative change and you can help make this change possible.

This page is your own personal fundraising toolkit, with everything you need to get started planning your event.

Inspiration

Our Walk with M.E. campaign is specially designed by one of our supporters to be accessible to as many people with M.E. as possible. To sign up, or for more information, visit our Walk with M.E. page.

Useful resources

You can find everything you need to organise your own event in our fundraising pack, including how to send us any money you have raised through offline sponsorship. You can also click on the links below to download fundraising resources:

Ask friends and family to sponsor you using our branded sponsorship form, which also includes Gift Aid information.

Read our top tips on making the most out of your online fundraising page

Download an order form to order collection tins, running vests or Action for M.E. merchandise (provided sale or return)

Organising your own event

When organising a fundraising event, whatever it may be, experience tells us that there are six stages to making it a success.

Step 1: The idea

Everything has to start somewhere, so spend some time figuring out what you want to do. If you’re stuck for inspiration you can check out our fundraising ideas page, or see what other fundraisers have done.

Step 2: The plan

Whatever you choose to do planning is the key to your events success, and to making sure all goes well. First of all consider when your event will be, and then where. Make sure you choose somewhere people will be able to find, and that if possible has disabled access.

Next consider how many people you want or expect to attend. The more people who attend the more money you’re likely to raise, but you have to make sure your venue is big enough. If you want to hold a small event try to find somewhere intimate but comfortable.

Always remember to keep an eye on how much you’re spending. It’s best to create a budget before starting to arrange your event, or at least have a target in mind for how much you want to spend.

Step 3: Getting the word out

You're putting your time and effort into fundraising so make sure people know about it.

You can invite people online through social media or email, or in person. For larger events you can print flyers and ask to leave some at local businesses, or make posters to put up. You can design your own or use our poster template. Like with all fundraising a personal touch goes a long way, so try to invite as many people as you can in person; you could also write individual invites to send out.

Think about whether your event might be something your local press would want to cover. Journalists will be interested in a story with a strong local angle and good human interest. Information about contacting your local media, and on writing a press release, is available in our Fundraising pack (see above for Useful Resources).

Setting up an online fundraising page is a great way to tell your own story and simplify the process of donations. Sites like Just Giving or Virgin Money Giving are easily linked across social media and can include photos, updates and a fundraising story.

Overall, remember to just be yourself and, if you’re comfortable to do so, talk about your connection to the cause. Try not to be too formal and don’t worry about being an expert on everything.

Step 4: The big day

Whatever happens remember to enjoy the result of all your hard work! You can share what you’re doing online by live tweeting or taking pictures to post on social media or your fundraising page.

Remember not to try to do too much, especially if you have M.E. Ask if friends or family might be able to help out with some of the setting up or hosting duties.

Step 5: Make it pay

The sooner you send us the money you raised the sooner it can start making a difference to our work. You can pay in online via JustGiving, send us a cheque, pay by phone or make a direct payment into our bank account. For more information please contact the fundraising team, or you can find our details in our fundraising pack.

Step 6: Say thank you

Fundraising is reliant on people to make it work so make sure you show everybody that supports you how appreciative you are. Take the time to say thank you, either in person or with a written note. Be sure to show what a difference their support and generosity will make.

For more information and support with your fundraising please contact the Fundraising team by email or call us on 0117 927 9551 and choose the fundraising option.